Student Activism and the Future of Higher Education with Dr. Sarah M. Toutant

In this episode of Conscious Pathways, I am joined by Dr. Sarah M. Toutant, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Childcare Resource Center and an expert in advancing equity in higher education. Dr. Toutant shares her journey from studying education policy to becoming a passionate advocate for social justice, representation, and inclusivity in academia.
We dive into her experiences as a DEI leader, exploring the importance of faculty and staff reflecting the diversity of the student population and how higher education institutions can better serve underrepresented students. Dr. Toutant offers insights on measuring the success of DEI initiatives, the challenges of this work, and strategies for preventing burnout in a demanding field.
Our conversation also touches on the transformative role of student activism and the need for institutions to involve young voices in decision-making. Dr. Toutant shares her vision for reimagining education as a more inclusive, accessible, and supportive system that prepares students for life beyond college.
Join us for an inspiring discussion on building a culture of inclusivity and the hope that one day, DEI work will be so ingrained in every aspect of society that it won’t need to exist as a separate field.
Takeaways
⭐ Advocacy, social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are important aspects of higher education.
⭐ Representation and inclusivity in higher education are crucial for creating a positive student experience.
⭐ DEI work can be challenging and lead to burnout, so it's important to prioritize self-care and take breaks when needed.
⭐ Building a supportive community and finding satisfaction in the present are essential for navigating the challenges of DEI work.
⭐ Measuring the success of DEI programs and initiatives involves collecting data, setting goals, and creating a culture of inclusivity. The ultimate goal of DEI work is for it to become embedded in every aspect of society.
⭐Institutions need to listen to and engage with students, involving them in decision-making and creating a community within educational institutions.
⭐ Educators can start by recognizing and building on the inclusive practices they are already implementing in the classroom.
⭐ Reimagining education involves making it more inclusive, accessible, and supportive, as well as providing better support for students transitioning to post-graduate life.
⭐ Transferable skills gained through education can open up a wide range of career opportunities.
Connect with Dr. Toutant:
LinkedIn: / sarahtoutant
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Conscious Pathways is the leading education consulting agency dedicated to supporting educators, parents, and supportive adults with the tools to build a brighter future together starting with early childhood.
A conscious approach to education views students as active participants in their learning rather than recipients of knowledge. Conscious Pathways is a mindful approach to reimagining education for social equity, justice, and innovation.